(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) It is with a profound sense of loss that the Secretary – General and staff of the CARICOM Secretariat learnt of the death of Byron Aloysius St. Elmo Lee, a national of Jamaica and Citizen of the Caribbean.

His death at the age of 73 brings to an end just over half a century of unmatched contribution of a unique genre of music which he composed and shared with appreciative Caribbean and global audiences. To the people of the Caribbean, Byron Lee was “Community property,” embraced, appreciated, and beloved.

A musician par excellence, and the first Caribbean band leader to achieve an international following, he mentored young musicians and performers not just from Jamaica but the entire Region, a tradition widely credited for the high standard of band music in the Caribbean.

His performances in the Caribbean Community as well as for its diaspora will be sorely missed. His passing represents the end of an era which we, as Caribbean people, cherish.

The Secretary-General and staff of the CARICOM Secretariat extend sincere condolences to his wife Sheila, children, and grandchildren.